Decolonizing Psychological Services

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 Colonization has been oppressive in the ancestral, generational, and personal histories of many of our clients.  We aim to deliver our services with intentional de-colonization.  Here are some examples of how we do that:

1. Recognize the limitations of Western psychology which primarily focuses on the individual and nuclear family of origin. We allow for clients to identify their macosystems and to explain how they are impacted by them.  The client is always identified as the expert in themselves and their experiences. 
2. Acknowledge power dynamics within a client-provider relationship and minimize this power dynamic.
3. Differentiating between cultural competency and anti-oppressive practice.
4. Providers are transparent about their own intersecting identities, privileges, and lived experiences that I do or do not have, especially when asked.
5. Utilize psychological diagnoses with understanding that these diagnoses were based on a majority western/white/cis/hetero client population and that there is a high risk of  pathologizing normal, appropriate responses to oppression and trauma.
6. Conduct psychological testing with understanding that most psychological tests were normed on western/white/cis/hetero client population and being mindful of the limitations of subsequent results
7. Recognize individual choice as well as systemic limitations.
8. Allow for flexibility and fluidity in modalities when working with clients.
9. Support clients through cultivating a practice of self-care, building a network of community care and advocating for institutional care.
10. We are purposeful in the layout of our offices/lobby allowing for alternative seating, an intentionally calming and welcoming space as well as a prayer/meditation room.
11. Staff  are allowed to choose holidays that align with their personal belief systems that may be different from dominant culture.
12. The Luminous Mind team intentionally discusses the above in all aspects of client care and on a regular basis whether discussing scheduling, referrals, or in case conceptualization/consultation.